One year gone, still

                  

                                                          

                                               ( I )

            One year gone, still

            Your fond memories fill

            Our bosoms with deep, painful loss;

            Still, we recall your happy smiles

            Your jovial tales, your witty remarks

            Your close intimacy with one and all;

            Like a sparkling flash you vanished

            Leaving a sense of void within;

           We feel as if we lost our prime support

           Who nourished our hopes and mutual rapport. 

                                  ( II )

          One year gone, still

          Your fond memories fill

          Your friends’ bosoms with gratitude;

          Still, they remember your help and wise guidance;

          You expected nothing in return

          A friendly smile enough you felt;

          Though some turned indifferent and cold

          Cordial relations with all you tried to hold; 

                          ( I I I )

          One year gone, still

         Your neighbours feel thy absence;

         Still, they acknowledge your liberal help;

         Your encouraging words that gave them

         A new hope of their bright future.

         With thy wise knowledge and mature outlook

         You helped them a lot to set right their ways

         They ever recall your positive thought and grace.

                                      (I V)

         One year gone still

         We can’t forget your gentle and kind words

         Your wisdom and caring nature

         Your desire for perfection in whatever you tried;

         Never were you proud of your status and rank;

         Never we forget your liberal and helpful deeds

         Never forget though time moves fast;

         Your noble words and kind deeds forever last

         Inspiring our efforts and thoughts

        Time can’t erase your memories from our hearts.

             

                   (Dedicated to my dear brother-in-law)

20th January, 2024.                                    Somaseshu Gutala